George, we move to the family rescued at sea. Their sick toddler onboard the boat. The family expected to arrive in San Diego tomorrow. But this morning, a relative is speaking out, defending their attempted sailing trip around the world. And ABC's bazi kanani has their story. Reporter: This morning, the American family rescued at sea by the U.S. Military is one day closer to dry land. From aboard the Navy warship that's carrying them 1,500 miles across the pacific, back to base in San Diego. An officer spoke with ABC news via satellite phone. They are very, very thankful that we were able to RESE them. They're eager to get back to land. Reporter: The dramatic high-seas rescue, initiated Thursday, when the kaufmans sent a distress signal from their 36-foot sailboat. 1-year-old lyra, with a severe rash and fever, was not responding to antibiotics. Within hours, National Guard medics flew in. Rescuers say lyra is in stable condition this morning. Shock and exhaustion. Knowing that the baby feels well, they're focusing on the loss of the boat. Reporter: Kaufman's sister says the family had been living on their sailboat, "The rebel heart," for seven years. Their beloved boat, now sunk. The family was able to save just three bags of belongings. They should reach San Diego Wednesday. And will undoubtedly face more questions about whether their around-the-world journey was appropriate for such young children. Even lyra's mom, Charlotte, posting doubts on her blog just days before the rescue. Why did we pick such a hard way of traveling. There's a lot of people that are harsh critics. What do you think of the criticism? We live in a country where they can. And we are in a country where we can raise children the way we see fit. They are good and wonderful parents. We'll just focus on the positive. Reporter: When the kaufmans arrive back here in San Diego, baby lyra will be taken to a hospital for evaluation. The sister tells us sailing is a lifestyle for the family. She believes that once they've had time to recover and to rebuild, they will set sail again. Lara? All right. Bazi, thank you. They can get another boat. Thank goodness that baby is okay. That's good news.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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